Seize the Moment: Unlocking North Shore Tourism Potential

      
            

The North Vancouver Chamber is pleased to partner with Vancouver's North Shore Tourism Association for Seize the Moment: Unlocking North Shore Tourism Potential. 

This engaging event will bring together industry leaders and community voices for a dynamic panel discussion focused on the future of tourism across Vancouver’s North Shore. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain insights, exchange ideas, connect with others passionate about the region’s growth, and discover how your business can benefit from local tourism.
             
Keynote: 

Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver 

With over 30 years of experience in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, Royce has focused the last 20 years of his career in senior leadership roles at the national, provincial, and now civic level of destination management organizations. As the President and CEO of Destination Vancouver, Royce leads  the city's official destination promotion and management organization. Royce and team have transformed Destination Vancouver into a more agile and innovative organization that collaborates with partners to build a powerful visitor economy for Vancouver. Royce has also developed extensive leadership experience working in corporate, franchise and a start-up business in operations, sales, and marketing.
 
Panelists: 

Jennifer Belak, Executive Director, Vancouver's North Shore Tourism Association 

Jennifer Belak is the Executive Director of Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association and leads regional destination development and industry collaboration initiatives that support sustainable tourism and economic vitality across the North Shore. A senior marketing and tourism professional with over a decade of experience in Destination Marketing and Management, Jennifer has experience in leadership roles with luxury hospitality brands, including Fairmont Hotels and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. She brings expertise in strategic marketing, sales, and partnership development, with a strong track record of driving brand growth and fostering high-value stakeholder relationships.


Michael Cameron, President and General Manager, Grouse Mountain 

Michael has been the President and General Manager of Grouse Mountain Resorts since 2003. Before joining his team at Grouse, he held senior leadership positions in sales and marketing at the Vancouver 2010 Bid Committee and Molson Coors Beverage Company. Michael has served as past chair for Destination Vancouver and is currently a member of their Board of Directors.


Rona Govender, Chief Financial Officer, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Rona Govender, CPA, MBA, is the Chief Financial Officer at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, as well as Group of Companies. She also serves on their board and leads the financial strategies for both the companies and the family office. She has broad experience partnering with C‑suite leaders, owners, and boards to shape enterprise strategy, strengthen governance, and drive sustainable growth. As a strategic advisor to executive teams, owners, and the board, Rona translates vision into disciplined financial strategy, balancing risk and opportunity while supporting long‑term value creation.
 

Bob Putnam, Co-owner, Deep Cove Kayak and Coast Outdoors 

Bob Putnam is the Co-Owner of Deep Cove Kayak, Jericho Beach Kayak and Coast Outdoor.  Bob has been involved with the outdoor recreation industry on the North Shore for most of his life. Initially he worked in alpine skiing, managing ski schools in B.C. and New Zealand, then moved into the paddling as manager of Deep Cove Kayak, which he purchased together with his business partner Erian. They also own Jericho Beach Kayak, Coast Outdoors, and most recently Deep Cove Collective, a gift and ice cream store in Deep Cove where they feature local artisans. In partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Bob and Erian operate Cates Paddling Centre. Bob has organized many community events for paddling and XC skiing.

MODERATOR: Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO, North Vancouver Chamber